Peach & Nectarine Pollination

• We recommend a minimum of 6 bumblebee hives when used in combination with managed honeybee hives
• We recommend 6-10 outdoor hives in the absence of managed bumblebees

The Biology of Peach/Nectarine

Peaches and nectarines are variations on the same species, Prunus persica. Peaches have a fuzzy skin, while nectarines are fuzz free, and both variations can occasionally develop on trees from either variety.

Flowers are perfect, having both male and female organs, and occur in clusters along branches. The ovary contains two ovules, however only one develops after fertilization, producing a single seed. Ample quantities of nectar are produced.

Varieties range from completely self-fertile to completely self-sterile.  Self-sterile trees require pollinizers and pollinators, however few of these self-sterile varieties are grown commercially. Self-fertile varieties can benefit from the presence of bumblebees or honeybees, as wind is not an effective method of pollen transport from anther to receptive stigmas. Generally only low numbers of bee hives are required for the pollination of peach/nectarine orchards, and this remains true for bumblebees. A benefit of bumblebees is that they will pollinate on days of adverse weather, which can be especially important when the weather is consistently poor during the flowering period (usually in September).